Workload Wednesday...

Today we started in the Computer Lab, and worked on Patterning problems using spreadsheets. Students examined different cells on the spreadsheet, and found patterns in the cell formula bar at the top of the screen. During Math class this afternoon, students continued the written component of this lesson, which was assigned as homework if not completed during class time.

We continued reading Chapter 6 of Tuck Everlasting, and a Novel Study written assignment is due tomorrow. Students must write 6 paragraphs weighing the positive and negative aspects of drinking the magic spring water that gave the Tuck family eternal life. They must also consider the consequences if the secret of this spring water gets out. Students who go one step further and consider additional factors, such as the age a person gets stuck at forever when they drink the spring water, and any other interesting ideas, will be demonstrating the quality of reading reflection skills appropriate for their grade level.

For Science today we went outside, as our experiments required it. The Grade 5 students performed an experiment to examine solids, liquids and gases, by wetting a sponge, tying it to a metre stick, and hanging the metre stick so that it balanced level. Students then observed the changes that occurred every 5 minutes, as the sponge began to dry in the sun. The Grade 6 students had made various forms of paper airplanes yesterday, and put them to the test today. Students ran 4 different experiments using their planes, examining air and the properties of flight. They threw the planes and recorded the distance travelled, accuracy in hitting a target, length of time it remained in the air, and stunts the plane could perform. Students who took the experiments one step further and ran each of these tests twice, manipulating the variable of wind, will have demonstrated the application of their knowledge appropriate for their grade level.

Our Kilometre Club efforts are bringing tremendous results! As of this morning, it looks as though room 201 has run over 80 more laps than our friendly rivals in room 206. I have also run 2 more laps than Ms. Schwartz for our side-competition. I hope she likes blueberry pie! I am very proud of all of my students for their participation in keeping active and on the move!
2-0-1! 2-0-1! 2-0-1!

I will be running a Comic Book Art Club starting next Tuesday September 25, 2007, and meeting every Tuesday from 3:30pm to 4:00pm until December 18, 2007. This club will focus on learning various drawing techniques used not only in comic book art, but in all types of drawing. Students will learn how to use drawing pencils of different leads (lighter and darker) to transform lines, shapes, and shading into detailed pictures of comic book characters. I held an information session about this club today at recess, and permission forms were sent home, due back tomorrow. Space is limited, but I will do my best to accomodate all students who are interested.

Homework Assigned Wednesday September 19, 2007:
Grade 5
-Read 20 minutes, update reading log (I will be checking this week)
-Novel Study writing assignment (6 paragraphs answering questions) due tomorrow.
-Spelling Unit 2 due Friday, Spelling Test Friday
-Math: Finish spreadsheet questions from handout/text
-Science: Sponge experiment due next Tuesday

Grade 6
-Read 20 minutes, update reading log (I will be checking this week)
-Novel Study writing assignment (6 paragraphs answering questions) due tomorrow.
-Reading Response Journal entry due Monday
-Spelling Unit 2 due Friday, Spelling Test Friday
-Math: Finish spreadsheet questions from handout/text
-Science: Paper Airplane experiment due next Tuesday